Taryn Abbott knows firsthand the power of community in the face of life’s toughest battles. Her 14-year-old son, Colin, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) when he was just three years old. DMD is a rare, progressive disease that slowly weakens muscles, including the heart and lungs. Today, Colin is wheelchair-bound and fully dependent on assistance, but he continues to inspire those around him with his resilience.

For more than a decade, Nationwide Children’s Hospital has been at the center of Colin’s care. With six specialists working together to manage his complex medical needs, the hospital has been a source of both expertise and hope for Taryn’s family. “We chose Nationwide because of their top-tier specialists, as well as their research teams and breakthrough clinical trials,” she says. “While there is no cure for DMD today, we remain very hopeful there will be one day.”

This is why Taryn selected Nationwide Children’s Hospital as the recipient of her Community Impact Award donation. Each year, the Lockton family honors Associates who go above and beyond to serve their communities with a $25,000 donation to the organization of their choice. Taryn embodies the dedication and compassion the Community Impact Award represents.

For Taryn, this recognition is about more than just her family, it’s about countless other parents navigating similar challenges. “This donation will directly impact families during difficult times and provide compassionate care for every patient. It gives families like mine hope and comfort that communities are working together to help fight for our kids.”

Taryn has always believed in showing up for others. Through Colin's DREAM, her family’s nonprofit, she continues to raise funds for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, organizing events like walks, golf tournaments, and fishing tournaments. She hopes to put on a gala in the future.

Taryn praises Lockton’s culture for her ability to balance her personal mission with her professional life. “Lockton provides the space, time, and support to pursue personal passions,” she says. That support became clear early in her career when her team rallied behind her family after Colin’s Make-A-Wish trip.

After briefly leaving for another opportunity, Taryn quickly realized how special Lockton’s culture was. “I could immediately feel the difference,” she recalls. “Lockton is an elite agency, and I’m proud to say I’m a Lockton Associate.”

“Regardless of if it’s in our personal or professional lives, most people have a battle they are facing. I always try to lend an extra hand to my clients, my team, and my community because I know I would not have made it through my own journey without the help of others. We impact each other’s lives more than we realize, and making a change in the world starts on an individual basis.”

If you want to learn more about Colin’s story or donate to the study of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, visit colinsdream.com.